Federal Protective Security Advisor

The Department of Homeland Security, National Protection
and Programs Directorate, Office of Infrastructure
Protection operates the Protective Security Advisor (PSA) Program. PSAs
are trained critical infrastructure protection and vulnerability mitigation
subject matter experts who facilitate local field activities in coordination
with other Department of Homeland Security offices. They also advise and assist
state, local, and private sector officials and critical infrastructure facility
owners and operators.

The PSA Program’s primary mission is to proactively
engage with federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial government mission
partners and members of the private sector stakeholder community to protect
critical infrastructure through five mission areas:

Planning and conducting outreach activities and providing
access to critical infrastructure security and
resilience resources, training, and information for
critical infrastructure owners and operators, community groups, and faith-based
organizations.

Supporting National Special Security Events (NSSEs) and
Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) Level I and II events, such as Super
Bowls, Presidential Inaugurations, and Democratic and Republican National
Conventions.

Serving as liaisons between federal and local government
officials and private sector critical infrastructure owners and operators
during and after an incident.

Coordinating and supporting improvised explosive
device awareness and risk mitigation training, as well as Office of
Cybersecurity and Communications assessments and resources.

During incidents, PSAs serve as the infrastructure
liaisons at the Federal Emergency Management Agency Joint Field
Offices, Regional Coordination Centers, and state and county
emergency operations centers.

PSAs also conduct joint site visits and vulnerability
assessments of critical infrastructure assets with the Federal Bureau of
Investigation. They work with the United States Secret Service to
provide vulnerability assessments, security planning, and coordination during
NSSEs and other large-scale special events.